Beauty & Fashion Haul - April 2014

Okay so honestly I'm a little worried at how much stuff I've brought just over the last month... I think I need to go on a no buy in May, especially with my USA trip approaching very shortly! Still I wanted to let you know about the bargains, I picked up cause I'm sure I won't be as lucky in the future.

Skindinvaia Setting Sprays $50

Like I mentioned I'm heading to America early June and not only that my original bottle of the Bridal Setting Spray was running low, I hopped on the chance to get another one. Ordering from the US site, not only is cheaper including shipping compared to the Australian site, it ships here and comes with bonus sample sized sprays. Great as it's perfect for travel!

The original setting spray was the other formula I had heard rave reviews about in conjunction with the Bridal finish. I always wanted to try it but couldn't shift off the Bridal finish. There was no promo code to enter or anything like that, so getting this one and a sample of their primer spray was an easy and sweet bonus. All up it cost me $50 which is pretty reasonable for international shipping and one full sized and two deluxe sample sprays!

Oral B 3D White Strips $25

I've seen and read so many great reviews about the brand Crest 3D White Strips which is Americas' version of Oral B as they are owned by the same company. I just wasn't able to find any comparable product available in Australia. Weird how there wasn't even whitening strips available?!

So when I saw the exact same product was available, I was on it. Im excited to see how effective these really are.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms $18

I've heard so many rave reviews when these were launched in America in both the matte and lacquer finish. So I knew as soon as these were leased in Australia I'd be running out to grab them. Never before have I gravitated towards a line like I have with these but I love anything shiny especially on the lips and have had pretty good results with the Revlon brand.

I got these at Target when they were having a 40% off makeup one day only sale. So all up I'm pretty sure each one ended up costing just over $10. I have never seen them as cheap afterwards which always satisfies the bargain shopper in all of us!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser $16

I had this months ago but never repurchased it. I used other concealers that lacked coverage and longevity. When I figured out this concealer was providing that for me, I went ahead and picked it up on sale and have been thankful ever since.

L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara $10

Chemist Warehouse had these in and it's been on my 'if items ever came to Australia I'd buy wish list'. Again I heard reviews at how well this gave lashes volume and a dose of intense black pigmentation. And at $10, it's a steal for a drugstore brand mascara. I haven't seen it being sold anywhere else though. Review here.

Running Shoes $103

Converse Low Tops - White $75

Neon Necklace $10

Black t-shirt $10

I grouped these together cause they aren't really makeup items but I still managed to get great bargains on them. I desperately needed new running shoes, to the point where the sole of my old shoes had pst its padded and instead a pre determined groove from my foot. These are amazing and provided great support and cushioning. These were on sale at 25% off which made it a great time to buy.

I've always had a love for cons, especially the white ones. So classic and versatile yet practical. I got these off surfstich.com again on sale down from $90 and with free shipping! These literally arrived the next business day I was super impressed.

I was after a basic black t shirt to finish off my basics and stumbled upon them being on sale at $10 down from $25! I was on a roll this shopping day as I browsed into Colette by Colette Hayman and this different yet bright neon statement necklace was on sale for $10 down from $15! I was after a small neon necklace and this one isn't the typical style I like but in trying to branch out and try new things, I got it. The long flower like petals are growing on me and I've gotten a few compliments the first day I wore it.

SEPHORA 15% off VIB SALE

All the famous VIB sale :) A great opportunity to purchase items that you consider that tad too expensive. I use a mail forwarding company that purchase the items on my behalf and forward them to me which is a grey away to purchase brands and products from American sites with no international shipping. I mean when will they learn. Not wanting to break the bank I brought these.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Diffused Light $45

The most expensive, raved, loved and top of my 'if items ever came to Australia I'd buy wish list' face powder. I'm sure you're not hearing anything new here. This is defiantly the biggest gamble product as I'm not sure if it would be what I'm after. 

See I've never heard of anther company having powders that create a different effects on the face as wells different shades. Trust me I did a lot of research before I hit confirm order button. Diffused Light counteracts redness and blurs imperfections so we'll see if this is so.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer $36

A repurchase item which is a first for me. If you've been following my blog for a while you know I've just one off a primer kick. I've tried all the top rated primers, in my eyes at least, and given my thoughts on how they perform. This was my favourite, if you want to read more click here.

Not having used one in the last 8 months really shows how much a primer does. It creates a smooth surface for your skin, keeps it hydrated, makes makeup application easier and last longer. Seriously the difference is amazing.

Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner Pencil - Ozone $20

My first lipliner. I've never thought having a liner to closely match all your pinks/ reds etc was necessary especially if it was darker then your lip colour, it alters it. I want the colour of my lipstick to show true on my lips. I understand that bolder colours like reds and fuchsias need a liner though. 

Urban Decay was the first brand I saw that had this anti feathering/ clear pencil so I guess I was partial to the brand. The idea is genius, the one liner for all your lipsticks that does the same job as a lip liner but doesn't alter the shade. I'm really excited to see how this works.  I know of a whole lot of brands that are offering this type of pencil now. So naturally I want to try them all.